"You're Missing Your Sales"

This quote came from my sister, Adrienne's brother-in-law, Shawn.  That would be Harry's brother, for those of you who know him.  Many years ago, I was a lonely child sitting in the rocking chair in the living room.  The time: 3:18 AM.  The day: the day after Thanksgiving.  The attire: I was all bundled up in thermals, boots, 2 sets of gloves, sweatshirt and pants, heavy winter coat, and 2 pairs of pants on top of the thermals. The circumstances: I was all ready and psyched to go Black Friday shopping.  But I could not drive yet.  Adrienne and Harry were going to come get me 18 minutes ago.  What to do?  What to do?  I'd tried calling them multiple times.  No answer.  Finally, their white Alero pulled in my driveway, and I ran out, wiping the tears.  Soon, the tears froze to my cheeks as we waited in line at Mervyn's.  So freezing cold!  But so totally worth it.  Thank goodness Shawn (who was visiting them Thanksgiving that year) heard their cell phones ringing, and he said in a morning, hoarse voice, "You're missing your sales."

Over the past 7 years or so, my sister and I have bonded through a tradition that my mom wants no part of.  That is, waking up at the crack of dawn to spend a lot of money, but save even more.

It all starts on Thanksgiving Day...
We make lists.  We check them twice.  We compare ads.  We cut coupons.  We make game plans.  We decide how much time to spend at each store before driving like crazy to the next store before they open.  We should've looked at the floor plans of each store this year because there were electronics hidden in the clothing section!, but we did not.  We will next year for sure.

Two years ago, Adrienne was puking the whole time because of morning sickness (from Silly Lily).  She is dedicated to the cause.  I am always up and ready at the exact time we are supposed to leave, no matter how late Adrienne is to pick me up.  I am dedicated to the cause.  Long live Black Friday!

My wins from 2010:

Target - Nikon digital camera, 12 MP, 4x zoom.  $79. 
Sears - nice shirt and tie for Charles when he gets a new job - $15.  Awesome bench press - $89
Kohls - Queen size reversible down comforter - $25.  Luxury bath towels - $5.